Fic: Be a Home to Your Homeless Heart
So I'll post about tonight's episode tomorrow, once I've had time to actually process what actually happened lol.
Until then I come bearing a fic!
Title: Be a Home to Your Homeless Heart.
Disclaimer: I don't own em, this is RPF folks!
Rating: R-ish I suppose. I'm not really sure.
Warnings: Talk of past violence, violence, language, angst.
Characters: Chris/Cory, Glee cast. OC
Word count: 5,609
Spoilers: Uh, season two I guess.
Summary: Cory knew it had to be bad.
A/N: Well I decided I was going to write Monfer. While I am not a huge Kinn fan, I am very much into Monfer. I blame part of this on BaronBacon for helping it fester. This story is also dedicated to her, because I'm fairly certain I tortured her with it while trying to write it.
When Chris had first started dating Scott the girls had cooed and the guys had given Scott firm talks, but over all they liked the guy. Except for Cory, who had hated him on the sheer principal that Scott was with Chris, and he wasn’t. But Cory had never made a move, and he couldn’t expect Chris to remain single forever. All the others liked Scott well enough though. Until the first time Chris showed up looking like he hadn’t slept and wearily told Heather that he had spent the night at a motel, and he was pretty certain they were through. The cast could do nothing but watch as they eventually reconciled.
Lea had been the first to call it for what it was, and slowly the others began to notice it as well. They had tried to warn Chris a few times, but each time he told them he was fine, and that he didn’t need their help. So they slowly stopped. They knew they couldn’t keep confronting him without pushing Chris away and none of them wanted that to happen. So they just waited for the fall out, hoping to be there to at least help brace the fall.
The air was knocked from his lungs as Chris painfully collided with the wall, and he while he couldn’t get enough air to make a sound of fright, he did flinch violently when Scott put his fist through the wall next to his face. It had been to close to his face actually. When Scott braced an arm across Chris’ shoulders and mumbled regretfully before turning tail and running, Chris suddenly knew, it was time to get out.
Sure things had gotten violent a time or two before. He had once shown up on set with a pretty ugly bruise across the back of his shoulder from colliding with a table, but it hadn’t been like this before. He had gone back time and time again, and now it was if he suddenly woke up and realized he couldn’t keep doing that. He slid down the wall, and fumbled with his cell phone. He needed his friends, someone who would come and get him.
He quickly decided the girls were out. They would no doubt come and get him, but if Scott decided it was time for an encore, he didn’t want them caught in the crossfire. He was pretty sure Mark had said something about going bird watching for Corvids over the weekend, and while Mark is large, he’s not like Puck. Before Chris even realized he’s made the decision, he’s calling Cory.
“Hey!” Cory picked up on the second ring.
“Hey.” And Chris cursed himself, because he sounded upset and tired and now he knows Cory’s going to freak.
“What happened? What’s wrong?” Cory demanded and Chris sighed.
“Could you come get me? Please?”
“Of course I can, but what happened?”
“I’m leaving him. I just need a ride, I can stay at a hotel or something, but if you could come get me I’d--”
“Of course I’ll come; I’m leaving my apartment right now. And don’t be dumb you’ll stay with me.”
“Thank you Cory. I’ll be waiting for you outside ok?” Cory grunted an affirmative and Chris hung up before packing his largest bag. He’d come back for the rest of his stuff later.
***************
Cory may have broken every speed limit on his way from his apartment to where Chris was, and it still took him nearly half an hour to get there. He can’t help but be a little frantic, because he knew; it must have been bad for Chris to actually call him for help. He pulled up to the curb, and when he saw that Scott was holding Chris’ wrist in what he thought looked like a rather tight hold he threw open his car door and stalked across the lawn. This had gone on for to long already, they should have stepped in the first time Chris admitted something wasn’t quite right. Instead they had remained silent not wanting to overstep their boundaries.
“Chris, come on, you don’t need to do this, it was just a little spat, I promise it won’t happen again.” Scott was saying, his eyes looking almost sincere. Still there was something lurking there, a threat of things to come and Cory began to pick up his pace so he could reach them. He had tried to be happy for Chris when he started dating Scott, but he just couldn’t really do it. This only proves he shouldn’t have to begin with.
“You threw me against the wall and punched a hole through it next to my face. I’m going to stick around to see just how much worse it’s going to get.” Chris protested. Cory’s vision dimmed a little with rage because Chris hadn’t mentioned that over the phone, but he could clearly see a small cut on Chris’ cheek and a bruise was starting to peek out from underneath the sleeve of his t-shirt. Cory is pretty sure if he lifted the sleeves two matching handprint bruises would be there, and his back had probably gotten a bruise or two as well.
“Chris.” He said and Chris turns to look at him, tugging ineffectively to get Scott to release his hold.
“Cory, I’m really sorry about this.” Chris muttered, finally ripping his arm free. “I’m ready to go.” He didn’t look back at Scott; he just grabbed his bag and started making his way towards Cory.
“Don’t do this.” Scott said, grabbing Chris’ arm to stall him, but there was definite warning in his tone now. “I’m the best you’re going to get, and you know it!” Chris stiffened slightly, but showed restraint and didn’t respond; he just yanked his arm free. Cory however, did not have that same restraint.
“Oh really? He can’t do better than someone who pushes him around when their pissed? More like you can’t do better than him, and you damn well know it!” Ok, so maybe Cory hadn’t actually said it so much as screamed it, but seriously, who the hell did Scott think he was?
“Cory.” Chris said softly, he just wanted to get out of there.
“You know what, fine. Take him, I know I can do better, I’ve done better.”
“Somehow I doubt that.” Cory snapped back. “You had Chris fucking Colfer, and you blew it. Good luck with whoever you think you can do better with.”
“Cory!” This time he stopped and looked at Chris. Guilt slammed into him and he realized that Chris was reaching the end of his rope; he just had to get out of there. So Cory hurried the rest of the way, so he can put a protective arm around Chris and grabbed his bag.
“Yeah, you’re right sorry. Come on.” He tries to tune out the abuse that Scott is screaming at their backs, and tries even harder to ignore when he starts begging for Chris to stay and give him another chance. Once Cory has Chris in the passenger seat, and the bag is safely tucked away in the trunk he began the trek back to his apartment.
He’s still really, really pissed though and finally has to pull over because he can barely see straight. He breathes through his teeth for a moment before he takes out some aggression by beating the shit out of his steering wheel. It isn’t until Chris makes a small noise that Cory stops mid motion and glances over to see Chris pressed up against the door watching him with wary eyes.
Well shit, the last thing he wanted was to freak Chris out further. He takes a few deep breaths and forces himself to calm down some. Chris didn’t just get away from one maniac to get into a car with another one. He quickly turned apologetic eyes on him.
“Sorry, I’m ok now, really.” Chris didn’t look particularly convinced, but he remained silent. Once they get back to Cory’s and he gets Chris’ bag stowed in the spare room and Chris on the sofa with a diet coke that he’s just sort of picking at, Cory decided it was time to call for reinforcements. He quickly got out his phone and sent out the gleek signal.
Lea and Amber get there so fast, Cory is fairly certain they’ve figured out how to teleport. Kevin and Mark get there nearly as fast. Apparently, Mark wasn’t out looking for Corvids, he was having an epic Wii battle with Kevin, and when Kevin found out what happened, he may have accidentally throw his controller into the TV. He fully plans on finding Scott and making him pay for a new one too.
Jenna, Naya, Heather, Diana, and Harry all text back asking for updates, but can’t get there due to various prior commitments, though he knows them well enough to know that they’re probably trying to get out of them.
“I’m ok.” Chris said softly as Lea and Amber descend on him in a hail of mother henning. The bruises on his arms and the cut on his cheek, not to mention the shadowed dark look in his eyes make that statement hard to believe.
“You don’t really look ok.” Mark stated and Chris fidgeted while Amber shot him a rather annoyed look.
“I’m really sorry you guys.” Chris said, rubbing the back of his neck in discomfort. “You tried to warn me and I didn’t listen.” Lea made a soft sympathetic noise and encases Chris tightly in a hug, while the others shared slightly guilty looks. Amber was making plans to castrate his now ex-boyfriend, and Lea would like to help, but she had to finish smothering Chris with hugs first. Mark and Cory stand off to the side and start plotting how they plan to kill and then hide the body, while Kevin squirmed his way onto the sofa next to Chris.
That night, once Mark was able to wrangle Lea and Amber out, content with the knowledge that Cory and Kevin will stay with Chris, he made Cory promise to call him if anything happened. Cory went to bed and tried to ignore the ache in his chest when he realized that Kevin was going to bunk with Chris. Now really wasn’t the time for jealousy. He still couldn’t really help it though.
***************
A few days passed, they’re back on set and Chris seemed to be doing ok, all things considered. He hasn’t heard from his ex, and the others are slowly starting to back off some and give him a bit more room to breathe. So he’s really honestly surprised when he goes into his trailer and finds flowers waiting for him. He already knows they’re from his ex, it’s his MO really, they’d fight, Chris would leave then the flowers and gifts would arrive, they’d talk and Chris would end up going back.
Except he was breaking the cycle this time, He read the card, full of apology but it wasn’t going to do anything this time. He wasn’t going to go back and see how much worse it got. Instead of the fist going through the drywall so close to his face, it would smash into his face instead. Being knocked around into objects, he wasn’t going back to that. He dumps the flowers into the trash without a second thought.
Two days later, he’s chatting with Jane in-between takes and sipping his diet coke when movement catches his eye. He turns his head, and he’s so startled that his soda slips out of his hand and slashes across Jane’s shoes. She’s too surprised by the action and is too concerned by the look that just flickered across Chris’ face to care though.
“What happened?” She asked and Chris blinked before turning back to her. He intended to say nothing, but she’s Jane, and he ended up spilling the entire story.
“You remember Scott?”
“Yeah, sure I do.” She hadn’t ever liked him though.
“We’re through.” Chris told her flatly. “We got into a fight, and he got violent, so I called Cory and left.”
“What do you mean he got violent?” Jane asked, and there’s a quality to her voice that reminded him very much of his mother.
“Shoved me against the wall, put his fist through it right next to my face. Cory came and got me, and I‘ve been staying with him ever since, even though I‘ve offered to get a hotel until I can find another apartment. Cory thinks I should stay with him until things calm down.” He hesitated before continuing. “Scott sent me flowers a couple days ago, they were in my trailer. I didn’t really think much of it so I tossed them.”
“Come on.” Jane said taking him gently by his elbow and leading him towards were she knew Ryan was.
“Jane,” Chris protested mildly, but she shook her head.
“Not uh, come on, this guy is dangerous and if she’s sending you things and showing up here? Well then it’s time to talk to the big man in charge.” So Chris let her drag him over to Ryan where he repeated the story. Jane watched as Ryan’s eyes darkened as anger flared in his face. Less than ten minutes later the security team was stationed throughout the lot.
But because Jane is the worst secret keeper ever, it takes less than thirty minutes for the rest of the cast to find out. He spends the rest of the day being shadowed by not only the security team, but Mark and Harry, and anytime they’re in-between takes Jenna, Heather, and Naya plaster themselves across him, as if he’ll float away if they let him go.
This goes on for another two days before Chris starts to get twitchy. He’s tired of Mark’s watchful eyes, and while he appreciates Kevin’s and Harry’s attempts to cheer him up, if he hears Kevin sing one more Beatles song he may have to gag him. And no Harry, He really didn’t want to learn whatever new dance it was that he could teach him.
Naya and Heather have backed off a little, though they still sit on either side of him given the opportunity. Lea kept asking him for hugs, which would be fine, but it was starting to weird him out a little. Amber actually tried to follow him into the men’s room, and while he loves her like Kurt loves Mercedes, he had to put his foot down there. Jenna kept holding his hand and if Diana brought him one more plate of food, he wasn’t sure what he might do.
Chord and Charice came to him quietly and asked if there was anything they could do to help. They were new to the cast and didn’t want to overstep their boundaries, but they liked Chris and they’re uncomfortable with the knowledge that he might be in trouble. He assured them he was ok, but thanked them for their concern and he’d let them know if there was anything they could do.
Finally on the third day, Chris managed to escape their ever watchful eyes and made it to his trailer. He didn’t realize anything was wrong until he’s being shoved into the wall again, and he can’t help but grunt as his arms manage to take most of the impact. He twisted around and felt the blood drain out of his face. Scott stood there looking furious, and before Chris can actually figure out what to do to get himself out of the situation, Scott’s fist was meeting his cheek and his head connected with the wall. Chris brought his hands up, and he tried to defend himself as Scott literally dragged them across the trailer.
Cory had tried to back off at work. He hovered over Chris enough at home, so he tried to let the others mother hen him, so he could you know, be the cool friend who wasn’t treating him like that. When he heard a loud crash from Chris’ trailer he frowned for a moment, if Chris was thrashing his trailer cause he was upset, Ryan was gonna be pissed. He yanked open the door to teasingly inform Chris of this when he sees Scott push Kurt towards another wall.
And then everything goes kinda hazy and red, and the next thing Cory really became aware of is Chris’ slightly hysterical voice and his hands desperately yanking at one arm. He looks down at the bloody mess that was once Scott’s face and then back at Chris who looks terrified. The others have all been brought running by the sounds, and apparently Cory had been screaming things the entire time. Matt grabs Chris around the shoulders and eased him away from the sight before passing him off to the girls who usher him out of the trailer, and Diana broke off to get more food.
Scott is arrested, he had been trespassing and he had assaulted Chris, Cory was given a bit of a warning, but no actual charges were being filed at this time. Ryan told him to go find Chris to for both of them to go home. They wouldn’t be needed for the rest of the day, and they would shoot around them tomorrow. Cory found Chris surrounded by the others, and he was pretty sure the only reason Chris agreed to go with him was because he looked completely overwhelmed with the others crowded around him like they were.
Cory knows that he scared him, it’s hard not to know that when Chris is trying to make himself one with the window, and he feels bad about it. He had never intended to scare him, but he had even scared himself a little bit because he didn’t know he could get quiet that angry. He knew he needed to find a way to apologize, because he wanted to make sure Chris knew he was safe with him. Once the finally got back to Cory’s apartment and he’s gotten Chris situated on the sofa with a diet coke he realized they needed to talk.
“So listen, I’m sorry about what happened, but I saw him push you and I just…” He saw the bruise on Chris’ cheek and nearly bit through his lower lip to contain the anger. “Look, I never liked Scott. And I’m not going to tell you it was because I thought something like this was going to happen, he did seem like a nice guy at first. I didn’t like him because I was jealous when you two got together. I hated that you went back to him when I’m sure you knew how he was. He was probably a lot worse than you ever told us, but it killed me to watch you keep going back.”
“I think part of it was that I was scared to leave.” Chris admitted, toying with the unopened can in his hands. “But I don’t understand why’d you be jealous, did you think I was just going to stop being your friend or something?” And Cory wanted to tell him the truth, tell him that it was because he wanted to be with Chris, that Scott had never been good enough for him. But he stammered and he flailed a little, and then he totally copped out and grinned weakly before nodding.
“Yeah, it was lame of me, I know.” He hated himself right at that moment. He gives Chris a bear hug, albeit a gentle one. “We should just order pizza for dinner and watch movies.” He decided and Chris just nodded his agreement. They’re halfway into the second movie when Chris fell asleep. Cory knew he should get up and let Chris sleep on the couch, but he couldn’t help himself and draped an arm over Chris, letting him rest against his shoulder. Cory eventually drifted off too.
***************
The next morning was full of awkwardness. Chris had stammered, and Cory had blushed but in the end, they had laughed it off as a stressful day, and Chris made an off handed comment about how at least he hadn’t started sleep walking again. Which was a worry that Cory hadn’t even considered until then. They have the day off, and when Chris admitted he just kind of wanted to bum around the apartment, Cory was quick to agree.
When Chris’ phone rang he answered it a little tiredly, expecting it to be one of his friends. It was Ryan, and he was informing him of the plans to hire him a bodyguard. Something Chris wasn’t exactly ok with, but he wasn’t going to argue it, he was too tired to do that. Apparently Mark had offered, and they were both sure Cory would have as well, but Ryan was going to hire a professional. And while, Chris might not be cool with it, he agrees to it anyway.
He’s tired of arguing with people, and if anything he’s pretty sure he’s brought it upon himself anyhow. He’s proven without a shadow of a doubt that he can’t take care of himself hasn’t he? It’s why Cory doesn’t want him to move out, and why Diana keeps bring him food. It must be why Lea and Amber mother him and Mark watches his every move on set. Because he wasn’t capable of taking care of himself, that’s what they all must think.
So he let Ryan hire him a bodyguard, and he let the girls fuss and he let Mark watch him like he’d watch a corvid. The one thing he does dig his heels in about, is finding his own place. Cory was great, he was one of his closest friends, but he didn’t like feeling like he was just extra baggage, that Cory wasn’t doing it because he felt sorry for Chris and wanted to protect him. The fact that he was so adamant about moving out though, it was starting to bug Cory so he asked him about it.
“Is living with me really so dreadful?” Cory asked, and he meant for it to sound teasing, but it doesn’t. It sounds hurt and a little irritated and Chris chewed on his lower lip before answering him.
“Of course not, but I really don’t like the feeling that you guys feel like you have to take care of me.” He admitted. “I mean I never meant to screw everything up so bad that you guys lost faith that I could fix myself, I mean I can’t blame you, but still.” And Cory thinks that’s just about the dumbest thing he’s ever heard. Could Chris really think that’s how they thought? It isn’t until Chris is drawing in on himself on the sofa that Cory realized he said it out loud. Well shit, he started apologizing immediately, because one, he didn’t want Chris feeling any worse about himself than he already was, and two, Amber threatened to kill him if he messed up.
“I lied to you!” Cory finally blurted out, and that made Chris blink and turn his head slightly to see him, but he was still curled up in a way that made Cory’s back ache in sympathy. This was around the time that Cory realized he probably wasn’t much smarter than Finn, because he just started rambling. “I wasn’t jealous because I thought I was going to loose you as a friend!”
That seemed to catch Chris’ attention, because now he’s just confused, really why else would Cory be jealous? Cory fidgeted and he cursed and he finally flopped down onto the sofa next to Chris and dragged him over to rest against his shoulder. He took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling and started talking. “It was because I knew you were so much better than that guy, knew that you deserved someone who loves you like I do.”
“Why would I want to be with someone who thought of me like their little brother?” Chris asked, promptly misunderstanding what it was that Cory was trying to say. Cory just can’t stand it anymore and he leaned forward and just planted one right on Chris’ mouth. Chris was so surprised by this he could do little more than make a startled sound against Cory’s mouth. Cory pulled back and realized he probably had just blown his chance, so he started to ramble again.
"I don't love you like my brother, I love you in a completely lose my job because it's inappropriate kind of way, and I want to be with you, I want to wake up with you, I just want to be with you, and stop looking at me like you're afraid I'm going to eat you! I just...I shouldn't have sprung this on you, but I love you." It’s then that Cory seemed to realize what exactly it was that he said, and when he chanced a glance at Chris he realized he looked very much like he’d just been punched in the stomach.
Cory felt humiliation burn in his face, really in what dream world was he living in that Chris would ever love him back? So he did the only thing that made sense in that scenario. He fled the room and locked himself in the bathroom. Chris finally seemed to snap out of his daze when he heard the bathroom door snap shut. He trailed after before gently knocking on the door. Cory refused to open the door, at least that’s what the muffle voice sounded like.
“I wish you had told me this before,” Chris told him through the door. “It would have saved me some bruises and a good deal of heartache.” The door was more or less flung open at that, and Cory stands there, looking painfully hopeful, and when he risked kissing him again, this time Chris kissed back. They both know they needed to talk about this before they could actually make a go of this though, and they settle back onto the sofa.
Chris had just come out of a toxic and from what Cory thought abusive relationship and he didn’t want to rush him into another relationship if he wasn’t ready for one. He could wait, he’d waited this long hadn’t he? First things first though, Cory wanted to know just had bad things had gotten.
“How bad did it get?” Cory asked, and when Chris hesitated to tell him he smiled, and pressed just a little more, gently insistent and Chris finally told him.
“Scott’s temper was worse than I wanted to tell you guys about.” Chris admitted, and Cory frowned at that. “He once threw a vase on my head because I was fifteen minutes late.” Chris told him and Cory felt his teeth grind together. “When we were good, we were good, but when it was bad, it was real bad.” Cory was worried, he couldn’t help it, and he pressed for more details. When Chris seemed reluctant to give any, Cory gave him a gentle smile.
“Nothing you say is going to make my feelings change.” After a few moments, Chris continued.
“The violence wasn’t quiet as sporadic as I made it out to be either.” Chris admitted. “He hadn’t ever seriously hurt me or anything,” He was quick to assure. “But he had roughed me up a couple times prior.” And he was so ashamed to admit that. Cory is actually horrified, he couldn’t figure out why Chris would keep going back to that, except he kind of could. He tried to probe a little deeper, because as it was he was going to have to kill this guy, he just needed to figure out if he was going to need Mark, Kevin, and Harry’s help.
Chris is rather adamant when he refuses to talk about it anymore, and Cory doesn’t want to push to far too soon, so he lets it drop. As it is he knew that whatever had happened, it had seriously messed with Chris’ head. Cory did not appreciate what that douche had done, so he was still busy planning the murder when Chris spoke up again.
“I don’t want you to confront him, or go looking for him.” Cory started at that and then felt himself get angry.
“Why? I can’t confront the jackass who hurt you?”
“You can, but I really wish you wouldn’t.” Cory did a pretty good imitation of a fish for a moment. “I just want to forget him Cory. I never want to have to think about him again, I just want to be able to move on without him and what he did looming over my head. If you don’t think you can do that, then…”He swallowed before meeting Cory’s eyes. “Then I need you to let me go. I don’t think I can handle it otherwise.”
“I won’t Chris, I promise, I won’t.” No matter how badly he wanted too. So he pushed a little more for details on the guy, because just because he said he wouldn’t confront him didn’t mean he wouldn’t pass on the information to the others. Cory was good at finding loopholes.
“There was probably a far amount of verbal warfare going on.” Chris admitted. “Called me names, said I was fat, things like that. Just things that would ensure I’d stay with him probably.” And now Cory really, really wanted a piece of the guy. He’s mortified and furious, because if anything he thought Chris was to thin, and to bring up being fat, that was just being a douche. Still he remained silent about finding the guy, no matter how hard it was.
“Why was this fight the one that made you leave?” Cory asked, because he honestly wanted to know. Chris squirmed uncomfortably, and he hesitated, but he eventually started talking.
“After he threw me up against the wall and then punched a hole in it, he put his arm across my chest, bracing on my shoulders and told me that he didn’t want to hurt me, and that I just had to stop being so damn irritating. I realized I needed to get out because everything I did he found irritating, and if I didn’t get out soon, I was afraid someone was going to be ID-ing my body. And maybe that melodramatic, but I was scared it could happen.” And that little piece of info just infuriates Cory further.
“I could sneeze and it would earn me a pinch to the arm. I yawned and he’d smack me in the mouth, there was nothing I could do to stop if the everyday things I was doing was bothering him.” Cory couldn’t keep his hands to himself at this point and he reached out to drag Chris to him. Really, Chris was his now and there was no way in hell something like this was ever going to happen again. He’s afraid to ask about the sexual relationship, so he doesn’t, because he’s afraid of what he’ll find out.
“Would you consider staying here with me?” Cory asked, and when Chris blinked he quickly continues. “Even if it’s just as a roommate type thing, you could stay in the second bedroom and all…” Of course if Chris wanted to share his bed, well Cory certainly wasn’t going to be fighting him off anytime soon. When Chris agreed, Cory lit up like a Christmas tree. Now they just have to figure out how to tell the rest of the cast without someone attempting to, or actually murdering Cory.
Turned out, they worried for nothing. Apparently, the only person who didn’t know that Cory was in love with Chris, was Chris. Sure Cory got a few “you hurt him, I’ll murder you” speeches, but all in all, it went swimmingly. Even Ryan had rolled his eyes and said it was about damn time.
The only thing that Cory finds he’s still worried about is Scott, because he promised not to confront him, but he didn’t say anything about not defending Chris should that jackass come back around. And of course he did. He was waiting for Chris in the parking lot after a long day of shooting, and before Chris could even tell him to go away, Cory was there, protective and huge.
“You need to go.” Cory informed him, something hard and unyielding entering his voice. “And stay the hell away from my boyfriend.” Chris seemed surprised, but not upset. Technically, Cory didn’t confront Scott.
“Oh really, I always figured you were probably whoring around behind my back.” He snarled. Cory stiffened in anger, but Chris didn’t even flinch.
“Is that you projecting again? Because last time I checked only one of us ever cheated.” Cory starts at that, because Chris sure never told him about that. His glare hardened, and it’s then that Scott seemed to realize where he was. If Cory was there, the rest of the cast was probably not too far behind. He cast one last look over his shoulder as Cory reached out for Chris, and Chris smiled in a way that Scott hasn’t seen in a very long time.
Cory slung an arm around Chris gently pulling him against his chest, wrapping his arms around him in a protective, loving hug. He wanted to ask why Chris hadn’t mentioned the fact that Scott cheated on him, but he knew now wasn’t the time. Instead he just led him to the car; it was time to take Chris home.
He really liked the sound of that.
Until then I come bearing a fic!
Title: Be a Home to Your Homeless Heart.
Disclaimer: I don't own em, this is RPF folks!
Rating: R-ish I suppose. I'm not really sure.
Warnings: Talk of past violence, violence, language, angst.
Characters: Chris/Cory, Glee cast. OC
Word count: 5,609
Spoilers: Uh, season two I guess.
Summary: Cory knew it had to be bad.
A/N: Well I decided I was going to write Monfer. While I am not a huge Kinn fan, I am very much into Monfer. I blame part of this on BaronBacon for helping it fester. This story is also dedicated to her, because I'm fairly certain I tortured her with it while trying to write it.
When Chris had first started dating Scott the girls had cooed and the guys had given Scott firm talks, but over all they liked the guy. Except for Cory, who had hated him on the sheer principal that Scott was with Chris, and he wasn’t. But Cory had never made a move, and he couldn’t expect Chris to remain single forever. All the others liked Scott well enough though. Until the first time Chris showed up looking like he hadn’t slept and wearily told Heather that he had spent the night at a motel, and he was pretty certain they were through. The cast could do nothing but watch as they eventually reconciled.
Lea had been the first to call it for what it was, and slowly the others began to notice it as well. They had tried to warn Chris a few times, but each time he told them he was fine, and that he didn’t need their help. So they slowly stopped. They knew they couldn’t keep confronting him without pushing Chris away and none of them wanted that to happen. So they just waited for the fall out, hoping to be there to at least help brace the fall.
The air was knocked from his lungs as Chris painfully collided with the wall, and he while he couldn’t get enough air to make a sound of fright, he did flinch violently when Scott put his fist through the wall next to his face. It had been to close to his face actually. When Scott braced an arm across Chris’ shoulders and mumbled regretfully before turning tail and running, Chris suddenly knew, it was time to get out.
Sure things had gotten violent a time or two before. He had once shown up on set with a pretty ugly bruise across the back of his shoulder from colliding with a table, but it hadn’t been like this before. He had gone back time and time again, and now it was if he suddenly woke up and realized he couldn’t keep doing that. He slid down the wall, and fumbled with his cell phone. He needed his friends, someone who would come and get him.
He quickly decided the girls were out. They would no doubt come and get him, but if Scott decided it was time for an encore, he didn’t want them caught in the crossfire. He was pretty sure Mark had said something about going bird watching for Corvids over the weekend, and while Mark is large, he’s not like Puck. Before Chris even realized he’s made the decision, he’s calling Cory.
“Hey!” Cory picked up on the second ring.
“Hey.” And Chris cursed himself, because he sounded upset and tired and now he knows Cory’s going to freak.
“What happened? What’s wrong?” Cory demanded and Chris sighed.
“Could you come get me? Please?”
“Of course I can, but what happened?”
“I’m leaving him. I just need a ride, I can stay at a hotel or something, but if you could come get me I’d--”
“Of course I’ll come; I’m leaving my apartment right now. And don’t be dumb you’ll stay with me.”
“Thank you Cory. I’ll be waiting for you outside ok?” Cory grunted an affirmative and Chris hung up before packing his largest bag. He’d come back for the rest of his stuff later.
***************
Cory may have broken every speed limit on his way from his apartment to where Chris was, and it still took him nearly half an hour to get there. He can’t help but be a little frantic, because he knew; it must have been bad for Chris to actually call him for help. He pulled up to the curb, and when he saw that Scott was holding Chris’ wrist in what he thought looked like a rather tight hold he threw open his car door and stalked across the lawn. This had gone on for to long already, they should have stepped in the first time Chris admitted something wasn’t quite right. Instead they had remained silent not wanting to overstep their boundaries.
“Chris, come on, you don’t need to do this, it was just a little spat, I promise it won’t happen again.” Scott was saying, his eyes looking almost sincere. Still there was something lurking there, a threat of things to come and Cory began to pick up his pace so he could reach them. He had tried to be happy for Chris when he started dating Scott, but he just couldn’t really do it. This only proves he shouldn’t have to begin with.
“You threw me against the wall and punched a hole through it next to my face. I’m going to stick around to see just how much worse it’s going to get.” Chris protested. Cory’s vision dimmed a little with rage because Chris hadn’t mentioned that over the phone, but he could clearly see a small cut on Chris’ cheek and a bruise was starting to peek out from underneath the sleeve of his t-shirt. Cory is pretty sure if he lifted the sleeves two matching handprint bruises would be there, and his back had probably gotten a bruise or two as well.
“Chris.” He said and Chris turns to look at him, tugging ineffectively to get Scott to release his hold.
“Cory, I’m really sorry about this.” Chris muttered, finally ripping his arm free. “I’m ready to go.” He didn’t look back at Scott; he just grabbed his bag and started making his way towards Cory.
“Don’t do this.” Scott said, grabbing Chris’ arm to stall him, but there was definite warning in his tone now. “I’m the best you’re going to get, and you know it!” Chris stiffened slightly, but showed restraint and didn’t respond; he just yanked his arm free. Cory however, did not have that same restraint.
“Oh really? He can’t do better than someone who pushes him around when their pissed? More like you can’t do better than him, and you damn well know it!” Ok, so maybe Cory hadn’t actually said it so much as screamed it, but seriously, who the hell did Scott think he was?
“Cory.” Chris said softly, he just wanted to get out of there.
“You know what, fine. Take him, I know I can do better, I’ve done better.”
“Somehow I doubt that.” Cory snapped back. “You had Chris fucking Colfer, and you blew it. Good luck with whoever you think you can do better with.”
“Cory!” This time he stopped and looked at Chris. Guilt slammed into him and he realized that Chris was reaching the end of his rope; he just had to get out of there. So Cory hurried the rest of the way, so he can put a protective arm around Chris and grabbed his bag.
“Yeah, you’re right sorry. Come on.” He tries to tune out the abuse that Scott is screaming at their backs, and tries even harder to ignore when he starts begging for Chris to stay and give him another chance. Once Cory has Chris in the passenger seat, and the bag is safely tucked away in the trunk he began the trek back to his apartment.
He’s still really, really pissed though and finally has to pull over because he can barely see straight. He breathes through his teeth for a moment before he takes out some aggression by beating the shit out of his steering wheel. It isn’t until Chris makes a small noise that Cory stops mid motion and glances over to see Chris pressed up against the door watching him with wary eyes.
Well shit, the last thing he wanted was to freak Chris out further. He takes a few deep breaths and forces himself to calm down some. Chris didn’t just get away from one maniac to get into a car with another one. He quickly turned apologetic eyes on him.
“Sorry, I’m ok now, really.” Chris didn’t look particularly convinced, but he remained silent. Once they get back to Cory’s and he gets Chris’ bag stowed in the spare room and Chris on the sofa with a diet coke that he’s just sort of picking at, Cory decided it was time to call for reinforcements. He quickly got out his phone and sent out the gleek signal.
Lea and Amber get there so fast, Cory is fairly certain they’ve figured out how to teleport. Kevin and Mark get there nearly as fast. Apparently, Mark wasn’t out looking for Corvids, he was having an epic Wii battle with Kevin, and when Kevin found out what happened, he may have accidentally throw his controller into the TV. He fully plans on finding Scott and making him pay for a new one too.
Jenna, Naya, Heather, Diana, and Harry all text back asking for updates, but can’t get there due to various prior commitments, though he knows them well enough to know that they’re probably trying to get out of them.
“I’m ok.” Chris said softly as Lea and Amber descend on him in a hail of mother henning. The bruises on his arms and the cut on his cheek, not to mention the shadowed dark look in his eyes make that statement hard to believe.
“You don’t really look ok.” Mark stated and Chris fidgeted while Amber shot him a rather annoyed look.
“I’m really sorry you guys.” Chris said, rubbing the back of his neck in discomfort. “You tried to warn me and I didn’t listen.” Lea made a soft sympathetic noise and encases Chris tightly in a hug, while the others shared slightly guilty looks. Amber was making plans to castrate his now ex-boyfriend, and Lea would like to help, but she had to finish smothering Chris with hugs first. Mark and Cory stand off to the side and start plotting how they plan to kill and then hide the body, while Kevin squirmed his way onto the sofa next to Chris.
That night, once Mark was able to wrangle Lea and Amber out, content with the knowledge that Cory and Kevin will stay with Chris, he made Cory promise to call him if anything happened. Cory went to bed and tried to ignore the ache in his chest when he realized that Kevin was going to bunk with Chris. Now really wasn’t the time for jealousy. He still couldn’t really help it though.
***************
A few days passed, they’re back on set and Chris seemed to be doing ok, all things considered. He hasn’t heard from his ex, and the others are slowly starting to back off some and give him a bit more room to breathe. So he’s really honestly surprised when he goes into his trailer and finds flowers waiting for him. He already knows they’re from his ex, it’s his MO really, they’d fight, Chris would leave then the flowers and gifts would arrive, they’d talk and Chris would end up going back.
Except he was breaking the cycle this time, He read the card, full of apology but it wasn’t going to do anything this time. He wasn’t going to go back and see how much worse it got. Instead of the fist going through the drywall so close to his face, it would smash into his face instead. Being knocked around into objects, he wasn’t going back to that. He dumps the flowers into the trash without a second thought.
Two days later, he’s chatting with Jane in-between takes and sipping his diet coke when movement catches his eye. He turns his head, and he’s so startled that his soda slips out of his hand and slashes across Jane’s shoes. She’s too surprised by the action and is too concerned by the look that just flickered across Chris’ face to care though.
“What happened?” She asked and Chris blinked before turning back to her. He intended to say nothing, but she’s Jane, and he ended up spilling the entire story.
“You remember Scott?”
“Yeah, sure I do.” She hadn’t ever liked him though.
“We’re through.” Chris told her flatly. “We got into a fight, and he got violent, so I called Cory and left.”
“What do you mean he got violent?” Jane asked, and there’s a quality to her voice that reminded him very much of his mother.
“Shoved me against the wall, put his fist through it right next to my face. Cory came and got me, and I‘ve been staying with him ever since, even though I‘ve offered to get a hotel until I can find another apartment. Cory thinks I should stay with him until things calm down.” He hesitated before continuing. “Scott sent me flowers a couple days ago, they were in my trailer. I didn’t really think much of it so I tossed them.”
“Come on.” Jane said taking him gently by his elbow and leading him towards were she knew Ryan was.
“Jane,” Chris protested mildly, but she shook her head.
“Not uh, come on, this guy is dangerous and if she’s sending you things and showing up here? Well then it’s time to talk to the big man in charge.” So Chris let her drag him over to Ryan where he repeated the story. Jane watched as Ryan’s eyes darkened as anger flared in his face. Less than ten minutes later the security team was stationed throughout the lot.
But because Jane is the worst secret keeper ever, it takes less than thirty minutes for the rest of the cast to find out. He spends the rest of the day being shadowed by not only the security team, but Mark and Harry, and anytime they’re in-between takes Jenna, Heather, and Naya plaster themselves across him, as if he’ll float away if they let him go.
This goes on for another two days before Chris starts to get twitchy. He’s tired of Mark’s watchful eyes, and while he appreciates Kevin’s and Harry’s attempts to cheer him up, if he hears Kevin sing one more Beatles song he may have to gag him. And no Harry, He really didn’t want to learn whatever new dance it was that he could teach him.
Naya and Heather have backed off a little, though they still sit on either side of him given the opportunity. Lea kept asking him for hugs, which would be fine, but it was starting to weird him out a little. Amber actually tried to follow him into the men’s room, and while he loves her like Kurt loves Mercedes, he had to put his foot down there. Jenna kept holding his hand and if Diana brought him one more plate of food, he wasn’t sure what he might do.
Chord and Charice came to him quietly and asked if there was anything they could do to help. They were new to the cast and didn’t want to overstep their boundaries, but they liked Chris and they’re uncomfortable with the knowledge that he might be in trouble. He assured them he was ok, but thanked them for their concern and he’d let them know if there was anything they could do.
Finally on the third day, Chris managed to escape their ever watchful eyes and made it to his trailer. He didn’t realize anything was wrong until he’s being shoved into the wall again, and he can’t help but grunt as his arms manage to take most of the impact. He twisted around and felt the blood drain out of his face. Scott stood there looking furious, and before Chris can actually figure out what to do to get himself out of the situation, Scott’s fist was meeting his cheek and his head connected with the wall. Chris brought his hands up, and he tried to defend himself as Scott literally dragged them across the trailer.
Cory had tried to back off at work. He hovered over Chris enough at home, so he tried to let the others mother hen him, so he could you know, be the cool friend who wasn’t treating him like that. When he heard a loud crash from Chris’ trailer he frowned for a moment, if Chris was thrashing his trailer cause he was upset, Ryan was gonna be pissed. He yanked open the door to teasingly inform Chris of this when he sees Scott push Kurt towards another wall.
And then everything goes kinda hazy and red, and the next thing Cory really became aware of is Chris’ slightly hysterical voice and his hands desperately yanking at one arm. He looks down at the bloody mess that was once Scott’s face and then back at Chris who looks terrified. The others have all been brought running by the sounds, and apparently Cory had been screaming things the entire time. Matt grabs Chris around the shoulders and eased him away from the sight before passing him off to the girls who usher him out of the trailer, and Diana broke off to get more food.
Scott is arrested, he had been trespassing and he had assaulted Chris, Cory was given a bit of a warning, but no actual charges were being filed at this time. Ryan told him to go find Chris to for both of them to go home. They wouldn’t be needed for the rest of the day, and they would shoot around them tomorrow. Cory found Chris surrounded by the others, and he was pretty sure the only reason Chris agreed to go with him was because he looked completely overwhelmed with the others crowded around him like they were.
Cory knows that he scared him, it’s hard not to know that when Chris is trying to make himself one with the window, and he feels bad about it. He had never intended to scare him, but he had even scared himself a little bit because he didn’t know he could get quiet that angry. He knew he needed to find a way to apologize, because he wanted to make sure Chris knew he was safe with him. Once the finally got back to Cory’s apartment and he’s gotten Chris situated on the sofa with a diet coke he realized they needed to talk.
“So listen, I’m sorry about what happened, but I saw him push you and I just…” He saw the bruise on Chris’ cheek and nearly bit through his lower lip to contain the anger. “Look, I never liked Scott. And I’m not going to tell you it was because I thought something like this was going to happen, he did seem like a nice guy at first. I didn’t like him because I was jealous when you two got together. I hated that you went back to him when I’m sure you knew how he was. He was probably a lot worse than you ever told us, but it killed me to watch you keep going back.”
“I think part of it was that I was scared to leave.” Chris admitted, toying with the unopened can in his hands. “But I don’t understand why’d you be jealous, did you think I was just going to stop being your friend or something?” And Cory wanted to tell him the truth, tell him that it was because he wanted to be with Chris, that Scott had never been good enough for him. But he stammered and he flailed a little, and then he totally copped out and grinned weakly before nodding.
“Yeah, it was lame of me, I know.” He hated himself right at that moment. He gives Chris a bear hug, albeit a gentle one. “We should just order pizza for dinner and watch movies.” He decided and Chris just nodded his agreement. They’re halfway into the second movie when Chris fell asleep. Cory knew he should get up and let Chris sleep on the couch, but he couldn’t help himself and draped an arm over Chris, letting him rest against his shoulder. Cory eventually drifted off too.
***************
The next morning was full of awkwardness. Chris had stammered, and Cory had blushed but in the end, they had laughed it off as a stressful day, and Chris made an off handed comment about how at least he hadn’t started sleep walking again. Which was a worry that Cory hadn’t even considered until then. They have the day off, and when Chris admitted he just kind of wanted to bum around the apartment, Cory was quick to agree.
When Chris’ phone rang he answered it a little tiredly, expecting it to be one of his friends. It was Ryan, and he was informing him of the plans to hire him a bodyguard. Something Chris wasn’t exactly ok with, but he wasn’t going to argue it, he was too tired to do that. Apparently Mark had offered, and they were both sure Cory would have as well, but Ryan was going to hire a professional. And while, Chris might not be cool with it, he agrees to it anyway.
He’s tired of arguing with people, and if anything he’s pretty sure he’s brought it upon himself anyhow. He’s proven without a shadow of a doubt that he can’t take care of himself hasn’t he? It’s why Cory doesn’t want him to move out, and why Diana keeps bring him food. It must be why Lea and Amber mother him and Mark watches his every move on set. Because he wasn’t capable of taking care of himself, that’s what they all must think.
So he let Ryan hire him a bodyguard, and he let the girls fuss and he let Mark watch him like he’d watch a corvid. The one thing he does dig his heels in about, is finding his own place. Cory was great, he was one of his closest friends, but he didn’t like feeling like he was just extra baggage, that Cory wasn’t doing it because he felt sorry for Chris and wanted to protect him. The fact that he was so adamant about moving out though, it was starting to bug Cory so he asked him about it.
“Is living with me really so dreadful?” Cory asked, and he meant for it to sound teasing, but it doesn’t. It sounds hurt and a little irritated and Chris chewed on his lower lip before answering him.
“Of course not, but I really don’t like the feeling that you guys feel like you have to take care of me.” He admitted. “I mean I never meant to screw everything up so bad that you guys lost faith that I could fix myself, I mean I can’t blame you, but still.” And Cory thinks that’s just about the dumbest thing he’s ever heard. Could Chris really think that’s how they thought? It isn’t until Chris is drawing in on himself on the sofa that Cory realized he said it out loud. Well shit, he started apologizing immediately, because one, he didn’t want Chris feeling any worse about himself than he already was, and two, Amber threatened to kill him if he messed up.
“I lied to you!” Cory finally blurted out, and that made Chris blink and turn his head slightly to see him, but he was still curled up in a way that made Cory’s back ache in sympathy. This was around the time that Cory realized he probably wasn’t much smarter than Finn, because he just started rambling. “I wasn’t jealous because I thought I was going to loose you as a friend!”
That seemed to catch Chris’ attention, because now he’s just confused, really why else would Cory be jealous? Cory fidgeted and he cursed and he finally flopped down onto the sofa next to Chris and dragged him over to rest against his shoulder. He took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling and started talking. “It was because I knew you were so much better than that guy, knew that you deserved someone who loves you like I do.”
“Why would I want to be with someone who thought of me like their little brother?” Chris asked, promptly misunderstanding what it was that Cory was trying to say. Cory just can’t stand it anymore and he leaned forward and just planted one right on Chris’ mouth. Chris was so surprised by this he could do little more than make a startled sound against Cory’s mouth. Cory pulled back and realized he probably had just blown his chance, so he started to ramble again.
"I don't love you like my brother, I love you in a completely lose my job because it's inappropriate kind of way, and I want to be with you, I want to wake up with you, I just want to be with you, and stop looking at me like you're afraid I'm going to eat you! I just...I shouldn't have sprung this on you, but I love you." It’s then that Cory seemed to realize what exactly it was that he said, and when he chanced a glance at Chris he realized he looked very much like he’d just been punched in the stomach.
Cory felt humiliation burn in his face, really in what dream world was he living in that Chris would ever love him back? So he did the only thing that made sense in that scenario. He fled the room and locked himself in the bathroom. Chris finally seemed to snap out of his daze when he heard the bathroom door snap shut. He trailed after before gently knocking on the door. Cory refused to open the door, at least that’s what the muffle voice sounded like.
“I wish you had told me this before,” Chris told him through the door. “It would have saved me some bruises and a good deal of heartache.” The door was more or less flung open at that, and Cory stands there, looking painfully hopeful, and when he risked kissing him again, this time Chris kissed back. They both know they needed to talk about this before they could actually make a go of this though, and they settle back onto the sofa.
Chris had just come out of a toxic and from what Cory thought abusive relationship and he didn’t want to rush him into another relationship if he wasn’t ready for one. He could wait, he’d waited this long hadn’t he? First things first though, Cory wanted to know just had bad things had gotten.
“How bad did it get?” Cory asked, and when Chris hesitated to tell him he smiled, and pressed just a little more, gently insistent and Chris finally told him.
“Scott’s temper was worse than I wanted to tell you guys about.” Chris admitted, and Cory frowned at that. “He once threw a vase on my head because I was fifteen minutes late.” Chris told him and Cory felt his teeth grind together. “When we were good, we were good, but when it was bad, it was real bad.” Cory was worried, he couldn’t help it, and he pressed for more details. When Chris seemed reluctant to give any, Cory gave him a gentle smile.
“Nothing you say is going to make my feelings change.” After a few moments, Chris continued.
“The violence wasn’t quiet as sporadic as I made it out to be either.” Chris admitted. “He hadn’t ever seriously hurt me or anything,” He was quick to assure. “But he had roughed me up a couple times prior.” And he was so ashamed to admit that. Cory is actually horrified, he couldn’t figure out why Chris would keep going back to that, except he kind of could. He tried to probe a little deeper, because as it was he was going to have to kill this guy, he just needed to figure out if he was going to need Mark, Kevin, and Harry’s help.
Chris is rather adamant when he refuses to talk about it anymore, and Cory doesn’t want to push to far too soon, so he lets it drop. As it is he knew that whatever had happened, it had seriously messed with Chris’ head. Cory did not appreciate what that douche had done, so he was still busy planning the murder when Chris spoke up again.
“I don’t want you to confront him, or go looking for him.” Cory started at that and then felt himself get angry.
“Why? I can’t confront the jackass who hurt you?”
“You can, but I really wish you wouldn’t.” Cory did a pretty good imitation of a fish for a moment. “I just want to forget him Cory. I never want to have to think about him again, I just want to be able to move on without him and what he did looming over my head. If you don’t think you can do that, then…”He swallowed before meeting Cory’s eyes. “Then I need you to let me go. I don’t think I can handle it otherwise.”
“I won’t Chris, I promise, I won’t.” No matter how badly he wanted too. So he pushed a little more for details on the guy, because just because he said he wouldn’t confront him didn’t mean he wouldn’t pass on the information to the others. Cory was good at finding loopholes.
“There was probably a far amount of verbal warfare going on.” Chris admitted. “Called me names, said I was fat, things like that. Just things that would ensure I’d stay with him probably.” And now Cory really, really wanted a piece of the guy. He’s mortified and furious, because if anything he thought Chris was to thin, and to bring up being fat, that was just being a douche. Still he remained silent about finding the guy, no matter how hard it was.
“Why was this fight the one that made you leave?” Cory asked, because he honestly wanted to know. Chris squirmed uncomfortably, and he hesitated, but he eventually started talking.
“After he threw me up against the wall and then punched a hole in it, he put his arm across my chest, bracing on my shoulders and told me that he didn’t want to hurt me, and that I just had to stop being so damn irritating. I realized I needed to get out because everything I did he found irritating, and if I didn’t get out soon, I was afraid someone was going to be ID-ing my body. And maybe that melodramatic, but I was scared it could happen.” And that little piece of info just infuriates Cory further.
“I could sneeze and it would earn me a pinch to the arm. I yawned and he’d smack me in the mouth, there was nothing I could do to stop if the everyday things I was doing was bothering him.” Cory couldn’t keep his hands to himself at this point and he reached out to drag Chris to him. Really, Chris was his now and there was no way in hell something like this was ever going to happen again. He’s afraid to ask about the sexual relationship, so he doesn’t, because he’s afraid of what he’ll find out.
“Would you consider staying here with me?” Cory asked, and when Chris blinked he quickly continues. “Even if it’s just as a roommate type thing, you could stay in the second bedroom and all…” Of course if Chris wanted to share his bed, well Cory certainly wasn’t going to be fighting him off anytime soon. When Chris agreed, Cory lit up like a Christmas tree. Now they just have to figure out how to tell the rest of the cast without someone attempting to, or actually murdering Cory.
Turned out, they worried for nothing. Apparently, the only person who didn’t know that Cory was in love with Chris, was Chris. Sure Cory got a few “you hurt him, I’ll murder you” speeches, but all in all, it went swimmingly. Even Ryan had rolled his eyes and said it was about damn time.
The only thing that Cory finds he’s still worried about is Scott, because he promised not to confront him, but he didn’t say anything about not defending Chris should that jackass come back around. And of course he did. He was waiting for Chris in the parking lot after a long day of shooting, and before Chris could even tell him to go away, Cory was there, protective and huge.
“You need to go.” Cory informed him, something hard and unyielding entering his voice. “And stay the hell away from my boyfriend.” Chris seemed surprised, but not upset. Technically, Cory didn’t confront Scott.
“Oh really, I always figured you were probably whoring around behind my back.” He snarled. Cory stiffened in anger, but Chris didn’t even flinch.
“Is that you projecting again? Because last time I checked only one of us ever cheated.” Cory starts at that, because Chris sure never told him about that. His glare hardened, and it’s then that Scott seemed to realize where he was. If Cory was there, the rest of the cast was probably not too far behind. He cast one last look over his shoulder as Cory reached out for Chris, and Chris smiled in a way that Scott hasn’t seen in a very long time.
Cory slung an arm around Chris gently pulling him against his chest, wrapping his arms around him in a protective, loving hug. He wanted to ask why Chris hadn’t mentioned the fact that Scott cheated on him, but he knew now wasn’t the time. Instead he just led him to the car; it was time to take Chris home.
He really liked the sound of that.